How to Plan Your Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide

If you are planning a trip to Sarajevo, you should add an Old Town walking tour to your itinerary. You will not only have a chance to learn about the city’s rich history but also marvel at the stunning Ottoman architecture, witness the hustle and bustle of the outdoor market, and visit cultural monuments and landmarks.

To make the most of your tour, follow this guide on how to plan your Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour with a Local Guide.

Step 1: Choose Your Tour Guide

The first step to planning your tour is choosing a reputable tour guide. You can search online, ask your hotel or hostel staff for recommendations, or look for flyers in the city center. You can also schedule a guided tour online, which is easier and more convenient for most travelers.

For this tour, we recommend booking with GetYourGuide, a reliable third-party tour company that offers this walking tour of Sarajevo’s Old Town. You can book the tour here: book the tour here.

Step 2: Plan Your Schedule

Take into account the start time and duration of the tour when planning your schedule. The Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide usually takes about two hours and starts at 10:00 am or 2:00 pm. Be sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour’s scheduled time to allow time for introductions and to review the itinerary.

Step 3: Prepare Your Essentials

Be sure to bring the essentials for a walking tour, such as comfortable shoes and clothing, sunscreen, water, and a camera or smartphone for taking photos. The tour includes some indoor destinations, such as the Gazi Husref-Bey Mosque, so be mindful of dress codes if visiting religious sites.

Step 4: Know the Tour Highlights and Full Description

Your Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide will take you to the following highlights:

Experience

– Bascarsija Square, an outdoor market built in the 15th century
– The wooden fountain of Sebilj, one of the main symbols of Sarajevo, and the newly renovated city hall
– Learning about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and World War 1
– Finding out more about the Ottoman era and its most famous heritage of Gazi Husref-Bey
– Seeing the Eternal Flame Monument dedicated to the Yugoslav People’s Army

Full Description

The city of Sarajevo represents the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a place where different cultures meet and make Sarajevo a unique multicultural center. It is also a city where great empires ruled and left marks all over the country, like the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungarian Empire, Communist Yugoslavia, and the modern period of independence.

On this walking tour, you’ll learn about the city’s history and cultural significance with a local guide. You’ll start at the Bascarsija Square, an outdoor market built in the 15th century, where you’ll witness the hustle and bustle of the daily life of locals. The guide will take you to the wooden fountain of Sebilj, one of the main symbols of Sarajevo and the newly renovated city hall.

Your guide will also talk about the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the event that sparked World War I, and how it all unfolded in Sarajevo. You’ll learn about the Ottoman era, its most famous heritage of Gazi Husref-Bey, and the empire’s influence on Sarajevo and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

You’ll visit the Gazi Husref-Bey Mosque, built in the 16th century, which represents the finest example of Ottoman architecture in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The tour will take you to the Eternal Flame Monument, dedicated to the Yugoslav People’s Army, and its significance in the recent history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Tour

Now that you’ve planned everything, it’s time to enjoy your Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide. Listen carefully to your guide’s commentary, ask questions, and take photos to keep memories of your trip.

In conclusion, planning your Sarajevo Old Town Walking Tour with Local Guide is easy and straightforward. Follow these five simple steps, and you’ll have a memorable experience in Sarajevo’s Old Town. Book your tour with GetYourGuide, choose your schedule, prepare your essentials, know the tour highlights, and enjoy your tour with a knowledgeable local guide.

An Insider’s Guide to Sarajevo: Hidden Gems and Unique Experiences

Sarajevo is a city full of contrasts. With its combination of eastern and western cultures, it has a unique atmosphere that is both intriguing and captivating. As an insider, let me take you on a journey to explore the hidden gems and unique experiences that only a local would know.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Only Locals Know

While everyone knows about the famous Baščaršija, Sarajevo’s old bazaar, there are other lesser-known attractions that are worth exploring. Visit Kuća Čaršije, a traditional Bosnian house now turned into a museum that dates back to the Ottoman era. Here, you can learn about traditional life in Sarajevo and see the beautiful interior of a traditional Bosnian house.

Another hidden gem is the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque and the surrounding courtyard complex. This mosque is a real jewel of Ottoman architecture with its intricate decorations and spacious interior. The courtyard complex, with its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere, is one of the best places to explore the traditional Bosnian lifestyle.

Dining Spots: Experiencing Sarajevo’s Food Culture

Sarajevo has a rich and diverse culinary tradition that combines the flavors of the East and West. One of the best places to experience this unique mix of cultures is Barhana, a restaurant located in the heart of the old town. Here, you can try traditional Bosnian dishes such as cevapi, a type of grilled meat served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar, a red pepper relish.

Another must-visit spot is a.k.a., a small bistro that combines traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Here, you can experience the contemporary Sarajevo with dishes such as Sarajevo burger made with local beef, truffle mayonnaise, and homemade brioche buns.

Cultural Experiences: Celebrating Sarajevo’s Traditions

To experience Sarajevo’s cultural traditions, you must attend the Sarajevo Winter Festival, a renowned event that takes place annually in February. This festival features various art exhibitions, music performances, and theater plays. Another significant cultural experience is the Sarajevo Film Festival, which brings together filmmakers and cinema lovers from all over the world.

If you want to learn more about the city’s artistic culture, a visit to the National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina is a must. Here, you can explore the country’s rich history and culture, including traditional Bosnian crafts such as metalwork and calligraphy.

Local History: Captivating Stories from the Past

Sarajevo has a long and unique history, filled with captivating stories of the past. One of the most famous stories is the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the start of World War I. You can visit the spot where the assassination took place. The Latin Bridge is also known as the Princip Bridge, after Gavrilo Princip, the young Bosnian Serb who fired the shots.

Another interesting story is about the famous Sarajevo Roses. These are the scars left on the pavement from the mortar explosions during the Siege of Sarajevo. There are still many of these scars visible throughout the city, serving as a reminder of the city’s recent history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences

If you want to venture off the beaten path, try the local tradition of picnicking on the hills above Sarajevo. One of the best spots is Trebević, a mountain overlooking the city. Here, you can enjoy the stunning views while savoring local delicacies and drinks.

You can also visit the abandoned bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics. It’s located on the nearby mountain of Igman and has become a popular spot for street art.

Another unique experience is a visit to the Sarajevo War Tunnel. This tunnel, also known as the Tunnel of Hope, was built during the Siege of Sarajevo to connect the city with the rest of the outside world. You can explore the tunnel and learn about the city’s recent history.

In conclusion, Sarajevo is a city full of hidden gems and unique experiences, just waiting to be explored. As an insider, I’ve shared some unforgettable tips that will make your visit to Sarajevo truly special and unforgettable.